Lech Walesa was born in Poland in 1943. He grew up in Communist-controlled Poland and became active in the trade union movement in Gdansk shipyards, where he worked as an electrician.

In 1970, he was a leader of the workers union as they clashed with the government seeking to gain improved working conditions and recognition. Because of his union activity as a shop steward, in 1976, he was fired by the state-owned firm. For the next few years, he was forced into doing odd jobs to provide income for his family and supporting his political activities.

In 1978, he helped to organise the first non-communist trade union and raised the profile of opposition to the Communist party and its grip on the country.